Friday marks the 98th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), a milestone that puts national defence and innovation in the spotlight.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, has repeatedly underscored the need to modernise and strengthen the country's military forces. Drawing on past speeches, Xi has highlighted:
- Modernisation and innovation: Calls for advanced equipment and technology-driven capabilities.
- Joint operations: Emphasising integrated training across land, sea, air, and cyber domains.
- Cadre development: Focusing on professional training, discipline, and welfare.
These themes reflect Xi's vision of a robust, modern defence posture that can adapt to evolving security challenges. For young global citizens and tech enthusiasts, this push signals opportunities in defence-related innovation and international collaboration. Thought leaders will watch how these priorities intersect with discussions on regional stability and strategic deterrence. Meanwhile, sports fans often gauge military parades for displays of new technology, and travellers consider how improved security dynamics influence safe mobility across borders.
As the PLA looks ahead to its centenary, Xi's guidance underscores a broader push for high-tech capabilities, operational excellence, and global partnerships – a narrative that resonates across G20 nations and beyond.
Reference(s):
President Xi Jinping's key quotes on building a strong military
cgtn.com
